Barriers linger in film: PM
Women in the film industry still face discrimination, racism and the gender pay gap, but things are slowly changing, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.
Ardern, who is also the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, made the comments in a keynote speech at the Power of Inclusion summit in Auckland yesterday morning.
The event – centred on representation in screen, film and technology – features more than 60 speakers from around the globe, including Academy Award winner Geena Davis and director Niki Caro.
Ardern said she felt her role as a politician shared a lot of similarities with women in film, namely ‘‘a passion for trying to create change through storytelling, particularly in male-dominated professions and breaking stereotypes’’.
She said gains were ‘‘slowly but surely’’ being made for female filmmakers in New Zealand.
‘‘There are still many barriers to women entering and striving in the industry. This is a conversation that needs to happen.’’
Kath & Kim actress and activist Magda Szubanski also gave a keynote address and spoke about the ‘‘vicious’’ debate over marriage equality in her native Australia.
Other speakers over at the event include comedian Alice Snedden and Philippa Boyens, the writer of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
The summit is hosted by the New Zealand Film Commission and Women in Film and Television International, with support from Disney, Warner Brothers, NBC, HBO and Auckland Council-controlled agency ATEED.